Indivisible by Four: A String Quartet in Pursuit of Harmony

Nice Career Summary After reading Arnold Steinhardt's "Violin Dreams", a book that I am not crazy about, I was reluctant to seek out "Indivisible By Four." I'm glad I did. Arnold takes us through 33 seasons of the Quartet's life (they stopped after Nice Career Summary ricardo_guerrero After reading Arnold Steinhardt's "Violin Dreams", a book that I am not crazy about, I was reluctant to seek out "Indivisible By Four." I'm glad I did. Arnold takes us through 33 seasons of the Quartet's life (they stopped after 45 long years, in 2009.) He tells all - from how they got started, how they strived and thrived - and most importantly, how they stayed together. Most people, including frequent classical music concertgoers - including classical musicians themselves - don't realize what touring musicians must endure. Be they a soloist or an ensemble, it's not an easy life. It often makes a railroad wor. 5 long years, in 2009.) He tells all - from how they got started, how they strived and thrived - and most importantly, how they stayed together. Most people, including frequent classical music concertgoers - including classical musicians themselves - don't realize what touring musicians must endure. Be they a soloist or an ensemble, it's not an easy life. It often makes a railroad wor. "Compelling Narrative of String Quartet Life" according to David James Campbell. Steinhardt writes an engaging story of his musical growth into the Guarneri String Quartet, and his ensuing experiences. This comes across as honest and open - desirable attributes if the reader desires a genuine look into this world. It should be noted that this account is made in a humble way, but in no way represents a common career trajectory for a classical musician. This is better seen as an ideal to strive toward. Steinhardt worked very hard and had stars align for his success. The greatest lesson to take away may be that the joy and passion he derived from this pursuit was both central and necessary. A. "A MUST-READ FOR CHAMBER-MUSIC LOVERS." according to Eveline d'Angremond. Full of very recognizable experiences for amateur and professional string quartet- players alike. Wonderful wit. Wonderful knowledge. I place it on the same enjoyment level as Gerald Moore's "Am I too loud?" Highly recommended for every serious music lover.

After sketching his own and his colleagues' pre-quartet careers, he describes how they choose and rehearse their repertoire and how they resolve their inevitable disagreements--and he even throws light on the inexplicable magic that happens in performance. Chamber-music lovers will rejoice in this story of the formation, nurturing, and maturing of the Guarneri String Quartet. Though it helps to know the music he feels so strongly about, this is a book anyone can enjoy. First violinist Arnold Steinhardt has written a delightful memoir that radiates the love of music and sense of mutual respect and affection that have kept the Guarneri's players together since the ensemble was founded in 1964. Steinhardt describes the emotional impact of musi

The Guarneri Quartet is fabled for its unique longevity and high-spirited virtuosity. Here is its story from the inside--a story filled with drama, humor, danger, compassion, and, of course, glorious music.A player who studies and performs the exalted string-quartet repertoire has opted for a very special life. Arnold Steinhardt, tracing his own development as a student, orchestra player, and budding young soloist, gives a touching account of how he and his intrepid colleagues were converted to chamber music despite the daunting odds against success. And he reveals, as no one has before, the intensely difficult process by which--on the battlefield of daily three-hour rehearsals--four individualists master and then overcome the confining demands of ensemble playing.